Neymar: Messi deserves to win the World Cup

The Brazil striker has thrown his support behind his Barcelona team-mate, backing him to triumph when Argentina meet Germany in Sunday's World Cup final at the Maracana

11.07.2014 10:09:15

Neymar has backed fellow Barcelona star Lionel Messi ahead of Argentina's World Cup final with Germany, insisting the 27-year-old deserves the victory.
La Albiceleste progressed to Sunday's showpiece after defeating the Netherlands 4-2 on penalties on Wednesday, overcoming Louis van Gaal's side after an uneventful 0-0 draw.
Despite the traditional animosity between Brazil and Argentina, Neymar insists that he would be delighted if it was Messi that lifted the World Cup trophy at the Maracana, calling him a worthy winner.
"Messi deserves to win the World Cup," the 22-year-old told a press conference.
"He's my friend, I wish him the best."
Argentina and Germany meet in the World Cup final for the third time, with Die Mannschaft victorious in 1990 and the South Americans winning in 1986.
Neymar, who is out injured after suffering a fractured vertebra against Colombia in the quarter-finals, will watch on as Brazil face Netherlands in Saturday's third-place play off.
Netherlands 2-4 Argentina Highlights